The delays are designed to shield Democrats from voter retribution, at least as long as he's in office.

When President Obama told Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in March 2012 that "after my election I have more flexibility," most assumed he was referring to foreign policy. It turns out Mr. Obama's ambitions weren't so limited.

Earlier this week, Mr. Obama demonstrated his imperial flexibility again, delaying another important provision of the Affordable Care Act. For firms with 50-99 employees, the president waived until 2016 the requirement they provide health insurance or pay a fine. Also, companies with 100...